Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, the Most Rev. John Onaiyekan, on Sunday in Abuja called for "prioritisation of the truth, reparation and reconciliation process in Nigeria".

Onaiyekan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on preparations for the country's 50th independence anniversary.

He said "any programme of celebration of the country's 50 years independence will be a meaningless jamboree if the nation does not prioritise truth, reparation and reconciliation process."

Onaiyekan said there were so many unresolved conflicts and hatred among Nigerian communities.

"Well, I am saying it is not only the Niger Delta militants that need to be treated seriously for recognition of guilt, reparation and reconciliation.

"All those who have stolen our millions and billions and who are leaving lavishly abroad and at home, we must be able to do proper probes.

"As you know all the probes we have done so far are inconclusive; as you scratch the surface, you will continue to see all kinds of things hushing out and you will close up again but it is still there. Are we ready to push it all out?," he asked.

According to him, so many people are still holding a lot of grievances in their minds, from the Nigerian civil war to the last Jos crisis.